Pochettino Faces Ultimate Challenge as USMNT Takes on Mexico in Crucial Showdown
The United States men's national soccer team faces Mexico in the Concacaf Gold Cup championship match on Sunday, July 6, marking Mauricio Pochettino's most significant challenge as the team's manager.
Team confidence hit rock bottom following disappointing international exhibition matches against Türkiye and Switzerland before the tournament began. Spirits have been partially lifted and put to the test during the Gold Cup campaign after flawless group play, though concerning performances against Costa Rica and Guatemala in the elimination rounds raised questions.
Pochettino's initial pursuit of silverware in the Concacaf Nations League ended in disaster with crushing defeats to Panama and subsequently Canada in the consolation match. This championship game presents his greatest chance to silence critics and establish momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup. Furthermore, his debut encounter with Mexico demonstrated the challenges ahead.
Capturing a title, gaining valuable insights about squad depth, overcoming their primary adversary - everything hangs in the balance for this final.
Here's the anticipated USMNT formation against Mexico in the Gold Cup championship.
USMNT Expected Starting XI vs. Mexico (4-2-3-1)
GK: Matt Freese—Should the USMNT triumph, Freese could establish himself as a contender for the number one goalkeeper position heading into 2026.
RB: Alex Freeman—Freeman has performed admirably at right-back despite key absences and injury concerns. Another significant chance awaits to showcase his abilities to the manager.
CB: Chris Richards—Richards has emerged as one of the USMNT's standout performers this summer, continuing to win over supporters.
CB: Tim Ream—Ream featured in both elimination matches and is expected to form the central defensive partnership with Richards.
LB: Max Arfsten—Arfsten delivered another impressive display following his two-goal contribution performance against Costa Rica.
DM: Luca de la Torre—De la Torre is set to form the midfield duo with Tyler Adams once more.
DM: Tyler Adams—Adams needs to deliver an outstanding performance in midfield to dictate play and disrupt Mexico's attacking threats.
RM: Jack McGlynn—McGlynn enters the starting lineup in place of Sebastian Berhalter on the right wing.
AM: Malik Tillman—Tillman maintained his excellent summer form with a goal-creating pass against Guatemala. His contribution will be crucial to the USMNT's championship hopes.
LM: Diego Luna—Luna found the net twice against Mexico. A pivotal match awaits the promising talent.
ST: Patrick Agyemang—Had Pochettino intended to make an alteration, it would have occurred against Guatemala. Agyemang remains the focal point of the attack.